In October 2024, more than sixty scientists, educators, and institutional representatives from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia gathered at the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture in Erice, Italy, for the International School of Science Education (ISSE) on Molecular Biology Learning and Education. From this exchange emerged a shared vision, now articulated in the Erice Statement on the Critical Importance of Molecular Life Sciences Education, calling for high school education worldwide to include molecular literacy as a core component.

Why Molecular Life Sciences Matter

The statement opens with a quote from the American biologist E.B. Wilson (1856–1939):

The key to every biological problem must finally be sought in the cell; for every living organism is, or at some time has been, a cell.

Molecular life sciences explore how DNA, RNA, proteins, and other molecules work together to sustain life. These processes are shared across all living organisms and provide the foundation for understanding biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. Understanding them equips students to appreciate the wonder of life and the practical role of science in addressing global challenges.

The statement emphasizes that molecular literacy is essential for all students, not just future scientists. It empowers learners to:

• Explore how life is possible and how it functions;
• Understand the role of research in advancing health, food security, and environmental sustainability;
• Develop critical thinking and the ability to assess evidence;
• Appreciate the importance of scientific consensus, including on topics such as vaccines and climate change.

From Discovery to Real-World Impact

Key advances in molecular life sciences illustrate their societal relevance:

• Genomes and genes in action: Techniques such as RNA sequencing and single-cell analysis allow scientists to study gene activity at unprecedented detail.
• Proteins and molecular networks: Life is governed by interconnected molecular networks, not isolated molecules.
• From understanding to application: Innovations like CRISPR-Cas gene editing, engineered microbiomes, precision medicine, and mRNA vaccines show how molecular research can be translated into life-saving solutions.
• The future frontier: Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, enable new discoveries in protein folding, disease mechanisms, and drug development.

A New Approach to Education

The statement advocates for Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE), where students learn by asking questions, investigating phenomena, and reasoning from evidence. Molecular life sciences education using IBSE helps students:

• Experience scientific phenomena directly;
• Understand the benefits of fundamental research;
• Develop evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking;
• Appreciate the dynamic, evolving nature of scientific knowledge.

The statement identifies four core educational goals:

• Inspire curiosity and wonder about the molecular foundations of life.
• Engage learners through inquiry and authentic scientific practice.
• Empower critical, evidence-based thinking.
• Foster respect for science as a dynamic, evolving process.

Toward a Global Alliance

To achieve these goals, the Erice Statement proposes a Global Alliance for Molecular Life Sciences Education:

• Developing a shared educational framework with input from teachers and students;
• Sharing resources, training, and best practices to promote equity and innovation;
• Strengthening connections between educators, researchers, policymakers, and society;
• Influencing curricula, funding priorities, and education policy globally;
• Supporting educators through professional development and peer networks;
• Ensuring all students, regardless of geography or background, have access to essential molecular knowledge.

The statement concludes that molecular literacy is not only a scientific pursuit—it is a shared global responsibility. Readers are invited to endorse the statement, share it widely, and join the emerging international network to make molecular understanding a cornerstone of education and responsible citizenship.

Endorse the Erice Statement here